Full Bands (FB) is a grading designation applied to Mercury dimes that exhibit fully separated horizontal bands across the central fasces (the bundle of rods on the reverse). The designation indicates a strong, complete strike — Mercury dimes were often weakly struck in the central reverse, with the bands appearing merged on lower-quality strikes. PCGS uses FB while NGC uses FB or sometimes Full Split Bands (FSB). The Full Bands designation can substantially increase a Mercury dime value within the same numerical grade.

Full Bands, abbreviated FB, is a grading designation applied to Mercury dimes by major coin grading services indicating that the central horizontal bands on the reverse fasces design are fully separated and clearly visible. The bands strike up sharply only when dies are fresh and pressing pressure is correct, so Full Bands designation effectively certifies that the coin received an exceptional strike during minting.

The Full Bands premium is significant. A 1916-D Mercury dime in MS-65 condition without Full Bands is valuable; the same coin with Full Bands designation sells for multiples of the non-FB price because Full Bands examples are scarce within the high-grade population. Other Mercury dime dates show even sharper premium ratios because Full Bands examples in any grade are rare. See our 1916-D Mercury dime entry for the date-and-design context behind the FB designation.